Today was the first time I road over 2 hours. I got up around 6 AM. I had breakfast. 3/4 of Baggle with Eggs. I didn't want to overstuff. I had all my gear prepared the previous night. I took my 2 hour nap, got up around 9AM and then prepped and put my stuff in the car and shoved off. As I was nearing the start point, I noticed my stomach was feeling a bit empty. So, when I got to the drop-off point, I had most of a kind bar and chugged some Accelerade. That was enough. I got my gear ready and shoved off. I didn't forget anything. I had some provisions in my extra bags with batteries and remedies. The legs felt good from the start. The first 15 minutes were a perfect way to warmup. I stopped once to take a photos of the locals rounding up cows in the hillsides. From that point it was non-stop till I reached the summit. When I got to the climb, I started modest. Letting my climbing legs to settle in. Last year, I didn't display my gradient metrics. This time I did. It didn't play with my concentration. I was in 3, 2 and 1st gear most of the way up. I was keeping the HR at around 150ish. Once I determined my legs were going to cooperate, I shifted my attention to concentration. This climb requires a lot of focus. Given that I've done it many times, I was prepared for climbing for more than 1 hour. In terms of gearing, no issues. I had small enough gears for the most steepest sections. It took a while for the mind to settle in. I think once the pain started to surface, my concentration was better. Sounds counter-intuitive, but it was the case. I was able to recall a few places in the climb. So, I was trying to stay focused on what was up ahead. I think the miles went quick. My tempo was spot on. I knew how many matches I would need to get over the summit. I didn't stop to take photos or rest. In terms of safety, there was few traffic. There was a turn in the climb when some cows were grazing o the shoulder. I approached with caution. Keeping my distance, they hardly budged an inch. I made it to the steepest section which is near the summit. It's a section of road that's probably around 10% if not more. I could see the summit, but it took a while to get there, given my slow pace in my lowest gear. Once I made it past that point, I knew the toughest part of the ride was complete. I eased up, let my HR settle down. It was near max when I got to that point. There was a brief section of flat and rolling terrain. Shortly after, I reached the other side of the mountain. I could see the Walker Basin. I pulled over to feed half power barand what was left of the Kind Bar. I took some photos. Checked my smartphone. I think there was no signal at that point. I swapped batteries on the GoPro and headed down to the valley. It was starting to get cold. It was about 4000 Ft elevation and clouds covered the sun. I cautiously made my way down and made the right hander at the bottom. The legs were a bit heavy, but I had some matches saved. The valley floor went quick. I stopped to take one photo. I made my way through. It was mostly rolling terrain. The legs were responsive. I was working on staying concentrated. So easy to let the mind wander a bit too far. I kept telling myself that I'm sharing the road with the locals. That helped to keep me from staying within myself. The last time I did this ride, I pulled over about 4 miles away from the summit to feed and bio. I didn't do that this time around. I rode non-stop to the summit. The climb looked familiar. There was that steep section to the summit where the fire station was. I made a planned stop at the summit. I ate what I had left of my half eaten power bar and also a few more bites of my second power bar. I checked my smartphone. I think I had reception there, but no clue for how long. I took some photos. Swapped out a GoPro battery. I headed downhill. I knew in my mind that most of the return was downhill from this point. The next downhill section was steep. I had this leg of the ride prepared to be cautious with my speed. I was braking and tucking. I could have easily reached 45 MPH. I think I maxed out around 38-40 MPH. I made it through the danger zone safely. No near misses. The road gradient eased up and I got to the area where the road was slightly downhill by a few percent. I was continuing thinking about land marks. At this point I was asessing my provisions. I had gone through 1 and 1/2 bottles. With one full bottle remaining. I knew it was enough to make the remainder of the ride. I got to the mini-mart. From there, it was 15 miles to the drop-off point. I was keeping track of my elapsed time. I had about 1 hour left in the ride, by my calculation. I was off by about 7 to 8 minutes. I think the wind was more significant this time around. I was going into the wind for the majority of the last 15 miles. My speed was between 14 and 25 mph. I was able to recall various landmarks. I had to stay concentrated. There was a bit more traffic and some blind corners. There were some wild cattle, but none of which were in the middle of the road. I was also taking in the scenery. Mostly secluded with a creak running on the side and mountain tops on each side of the road. Vegitation was blooming, there were butterflies, and what appeared to be cotton floating in the air. Definitely good for the morale. I kept track of time. I was bout 8 to 10 minutes behind my previous time. Likely due to the wind conditions. The legs were starting to show sings of fatigue. I could feel my calfs wanting to relax. They would have cramped had I not payed attention. I was alternating slow and fast cadence with stretching from time to time. I reached the fork in the road where the first climb started. The wind did not let up. I was having to ride it out whether I liked it or not. Good thing this was the end of the ride. I reached the last mile. There was a train passing through so I had to let it go by. Shortly after I made my way back to the car. The car was intact. When I got back, I got my towel, soaked my face with water and cleaned myself up . I organaized my stuff and had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some cold water. A very rewarding snack. Concentration today was pretty good. I was having to stay actively focused. It was far from perfect. Some hints of gremlins. But I reminded myself that I had to share the road and don't get angry. It definitely helped. Balance and form felt good. I was square on the pedals going uphill. The flats and rolling terrain felt good. As did the descents. Ailments consisted of right hand numbness. I have a mild blister on my right hand. I was evident after about half way through the ride. Likely the result of riding out of the saddle on the major climb. Gear worked like a charm. The bike felt very good. Few mystery noises. I think it only complained on the most steepest sections, and even then, hardly a peep. Other notes, no other cyclists today. There were some friendly motorists and motorcycle riders. Overall, a thumbs up ride. It went to plan.